Lagos Govt Announces Commencement of Blue Rail Line’s Commercial Operations on 4th of September

Lagos State officials have announced that the Blue Rail Line will officially start carrying passengers on the 4th of September, 2023. They also revealed that the train will run from Marina to Mile 2.

Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), shared the news during a press briefing at Marina Terminal in Lagos. 

She mentioned that the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu will take the first ride at 9:00 a.m. from Marina Station. 

Akinajo added that after Sanwo-olu’s ride, regular passenger service will run from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. during the morning peak and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the afternoon peak.

The LAMATA MD also noted that the train will make 12 trips daily for two weeks and increase to 76 trips daily. The goal, based on feasibility studies, is to transport 175,000 passengers each day.

Lagos gives reasons for Lagos Blue Rail delay

Akinajo explained that the commercial launch was delayed due to import and export challenges. 

Revealing that the train trips will rise to 30 per day after the first month, Akinajo emphasized that passengers should never cross the tracks for safety, as the tracks are electrified.

Furthermore, the LAMATA MD reminded passengers not to eat, drink, or engage in criminal activities on the train, as there are 30 cameras along the tracks for security purposes.

According to her, the fare for the train rides will be N750 from Marina to Mile 2, N500 from Marina to National Theatre, and N400 to Iganmu-Orile.

Akinajo also stated that the state aims to have the Red Line operational by the end of the year.